Seems like the Police theme is going to last right up to the next election.
Spent some time today out on a ward audit with the Safer Neighbourhoods team. Police Sergeant, Council Officer and myself doing a drive and walk around the ward identifying areas where there is the potential for trouble and where action can be taken to improve the safety and environment of residents.
It was a fascinating time discovering potential issues around the Berrylands Station and walking through virtually unknown alleyways off Surbiton Hill Park. Also looking at the problem of the green triangle at the end of Alexandra Drive. What it actually demonstrates is that whilst Berrylands is in fact a pleasant and safe place to live there will always be an unpleasant side to the most sedate area. Unsurprisingly many of the local issues are low level and involving young people and clearly there is a big job for the Police in engaging with this problem.
I am confident that our Police, despite all the constraints, are doing as well as they can. Release them from the bounds of bureaucracy and do away with the avalanche of initiatives and who knows how law and order in our communities might be transformed? I noticed that today the Government tried to spin the law and order debate back their way by launching another new idea. Who are they kidding? Can't stop spinning! Arrests for all offences proposed
Also had a meeting with council officers on the grass-cutting contract and the dreadful state of the recycling site on Raeburn Avenue. I have been promised new lights, signs and some new cleaner recycling bins as a way to improve the environment around the site. I shall keep my eye on this one!
Spent a couple of hours delivering this evening – another stifling warm evening despite the slight breeze.
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